The Mercedes-Benz ML350 front side marker bulb uses sizes 12961, 3457NA, or 1034NA, while the rear side marker bulb size is 12961. The replacement chart covers vehicle production years spanning 2003 to 2007.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 12961 is a Philips part number for a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W. It serves as the rear side marker bulb across all model years in the specifications, covering 2003-2007, and also appears as the front side marker bulb on 2006-2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 units equipped with halogen capsule headlamps.
The 3457NA is an ANSI-standard dual-filament wedge bulb in a T25 form factor with natural amber glass, rated at 12V with a 27W/7W split between its two filaments. On the ML350, it is specified for the front side marker position on 2006-2007 vehicles fitted with HID headlamps.
The 1034NA is an ANSI-standard dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base and natural amber glass, rated at 12V with a 21W/5W output. It is listed as a variant of the 1157 and is specified for the front side marker on 2004-2005 ML350 models.
The 1157NA shares the same BAY15d bayonet base and natural amber glass construction as the 1034NA and carries a 12V, 21W/5W rating. It is specified for the front side marker on the 2003 ML350.
The front side marker position on the 2006-2007 ML350 requires different bulbs depending on headlamp type. Vehicles with halogen capsule headlamps use the 12961, while those with HID headlamps use the 3457NA. These two bulbs are not interchangeable due to differences in base type, wattage, and filament configuration.
The BAY15d bayonet base found on both the 1034NA and 1157NA features two offset pins that prevent incorrect insertion. This base type is physically distinct from the wedge-style bases used by the 12961 and 3457NA, making cross-substitution between these groups mechanically incompatible.
The natural amber glass designation on the 3457NA, 1034NA, and 1157NA indicates that the amber color is produced by the glass envelope itself rather than by a coating or lens filter. This construction method is generally associated with greater color consistency over the bulb's service life.
The 3457NA carries a significantly higher wattage on its primary filament at 27W compared to the 21W primary filament of the 1034NA and 1157NA. This difference in power draw is a relevant factor when considering socket and wiring compatibility.